Sprinters Stakes (Group 1)

WIN Carnelian posted a surprise victory in this year’s Sprinters Stakes to capture his third graded and first Group 1 win and became the second eight-year-old horse to win the race.

Win Carnelian had been runner-up in this year’s Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint to Believing. The eight-year-old winner came from a wide stall to press the pace in second behind the American Pharoah filly June Blair. As the field rounded the final bend, the eight-year-old chesnut engaged in a duel with the four-year-old filly and took his first Group 1 by a head.

“I’ve been riding this horse for a long time, so regardless of the draw, I was confident in knowing how he could find his best and most comfortable rhythm, which was the top priority for us today. It’s also a big joy for me to mark my first Group 1 win with the horse of my mentor (and trainer), Yuichi Shikato,” jockey Kosei Miura said after winning the race.

Favourite Satono Reve, runner-up in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, settled in midfield and came wide to launch his bid. He closed with four other horses before the post and finished a nose behind Namura Clair in fourth.

Hong Kong sprinter Lucky Sweynesse settled in midfield behind the favourite, but he found his best effort too late, finishing 11th.

Yuichi Shikato is best known as the trainer of the 2021 Arima Kinen winner, Efforia.